International Tourism on the Rise According to UNWTO Reports

International tourism is staging a remarkable comeback, with arrival figures surging to 84% of pre-pandemic levels between January and July 2023, according to fresh insights from the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). Notably, the Middle East, Europe, and Africa are spearheading this global resurgence.

Tourism Thrives Despite Adversities 

Tourism’s vitality and unwavering revival in the face of economic and geopolitical complexities are nothing short of commendable. The recently published UNWTO World Tourism Barometer traces the sector’s resurgence trajectory throughout 2023 until the close of July. Key highlights from the Barometer include:

• By the end of July, international tourist arrivals rebounded to an impressive 84% of pre-pandemic levels.
• A substantial 700 million tourists embarked on international journeys between January and July 2023, marking a 43% surge compared to the corresponding period in 2022.
• July emerged as the most bustling month, recording a staggering 145 million international travellers, equivalent to about one-fifth of the total for the seven-month span.

These statistics underscore the robust resurgence of tourism across the globe. However, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili emphasises the necessity for adaptation as the sector regains momentum. He asserts, “As our sector recovers, it also needs to adapt. The recent extreme weather events and the critical management of escalating tourism flows underscore the need to construct a more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient sector, simultaneously reimagining our approach to recovery.”

Regional Revival Highlights 

Resilient tourism revival characterises all global regions in the initial seven months of 2023, driven by burgeoning demand from various substantial source markets:

• The Middle East celebrated the most remarkable results in January-July 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic arrival figures by an impressive 20%. The region remains the solitary one to have outperformed 2019 levels so far.
• Europe, the planet’s primary destination region, reached an impressive 91% of pre-pandemic levels, bolstered by robust intra-regional demand and inflow from the United States.
• Africa achieved a remarkable recovery rate, at 92% when contrasted with pre-crisis visitor numbers during this seven-month phase, while the Americas achieved an impressive 87% recovery.
• In Asia and the Pacific, the recovery momentum accelerated, achieving 61% of pre-pandemic arrival levels following the reopening of numerous destinations and source markets towards the conclusion of 2022 and in the earlier part of this year.

Anticipating the Road Ahead These findings affirm that international tourism is firmly on course to attain between 80% and 95% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023. The outlook for September-December 2023 indicates a continuing recovery, albeit at a more measured pace post the peak travel season spanning June to August.

Pivotal factors driving this ongoing revival encompass sustained pent-up demand and enhanced air connectivity, particularly within Asia and the Pacific, where the recovery process is still gaining traction. The reopening of pivotal markets like China and other Asian destinations is poised to further invigorate travel both within the region and across the globe. Nevertheless, challenges persist, with the economic environment, persistent inflation, and mounting oil prices reshaping spending patterns. Travellers are increasingly seeking value-for-money experiences, gravitating towards shorter journeys and closer-to-home destinations, thereby moulding the future landscape of international tourism.